Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Vette Eater. - 2007 Subaru Impreza
  By Cobo - May 6 - 10:10 am

  A monster on the streets. This car is a blast to drive. Great power from the 4k to 7k RPM range. Put a few upgrades on the car. (Downpipe, Cat-back, ECU) And what a difference it makes. Great in the Michigan winters. The only downside with the car is a slight problem with the battery wanting to die, and slight rattles in the winter. Overall a 10+.

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  Fun Snow Car - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By COBeav - May 5 - 4:30 pm

  Ive put about 1500mi on my Subie. Love it! I was very surprised by its pickup, even with the auto. Its handling and power are much better than the other cars in its class, especially for the basic model. Getting up around 34 mpg hwy, 25 city (stop-n-go), not bad, especially just breaking it in. Had a few snows, and it just zips along. Love being able to just go, even starting uphill. The handling is fun in the snow, it seems as though I can feel the different wheels gripping.

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  WOW! A Hidden Gem Among "Small" Cars - 2008 Subaru Impreza
  By JGray - May 4 - 6:13 pm

  We just purchased our Outback Sport hatchback in silver last week. We already have 640 miles from taking rides while being amazed at the gas mileage. Sticker indicates 20/27 city/hwy. We are getting 24-25 city and 33 on the highway. I am 64" and feel very comfortable in this car. We bought this car to replace our Mini Cooper and couldnt be happier. It is extremely sporty, rides very nice, handles excellent, has plenty of power, plenty of cargo and passenger capacity, and did I say sporty? This car is the only small car to receive the rigid IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) top 2008 pick safety rating. The Subaru Outback Sport is truly the "hidden gem" of small cars.

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  North America here I come! - 2011 Subaru Outback
  By GypsyGopher - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Get in, start up, buckle up, brake release - GO! I feel like Top Gun behind the wheel. Safety, technology, economy, features, price - winning combination. Everything but Nav, and my Android takes care of that. Retiring in January; from the Upper Midwest to FLA for the Last Shuttle launch. No interstates if I can help it. I have already driven 4500 mi. in three months, and got 28 mpg mixed driving. Winter gas has taken that down a notch or two, but whos counting. Big (unexpected) snow storm last week demonstrated the Subies pedigree to my complete satisfaction. Remote start and heated seats - oh yeah! Great visibility, and room for this 65" male. Etc etc etc - loving it all.

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  Glad 2 B back in a Roo! - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By linuxlooNH - May 1 - 10:30 am

  After four years with a Saturn LW2/300, I decided to get back to Subaru for a variety of reasons. The biggest one is the reliability of the car. I had a 92 Loyale that I couldnt kill, but traded in for the Saturn. After various "issues" with that car, I decided to come back to Subaru. I bought the standard Outback Wagon with a 5 speed, my first! and just love it. Here in NH you need a good snow car. The Outback continually impresses my wife and I, not only in the foul weather, but on our short and long trips. Very little stops the car or us. It goes through every where we want to go. It loads up and cruises down the highway well. Being 6 foot 1 inch, I find I have just enough room behind the wheel.

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  Subaru Rocks! - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By AlaskanInColorado - May 1 - 2:00 am

  What can I say, Im practical, but I know what gets the job done for everything I do. It is a dream ride in the city, on the highway, in the mountains, desert, swamps, mud, snow, pretty deep water, off road, scratch the Jeep trails. I got it stuck once, Apr. 02 CO blizzard. The snow was heavy and wet, but I dont think it counts, the snow was up to the top of my thigh, Im 510". Just the right amount of horses for the size of the car. This car will be with me for a long time, Subarus last forever as long as you take care of them. Im from Alaska, I still see Subarus driving around from the late 70s early 80s in AK, CO and OR. Buy one, you wont regret it.

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  Awesome car - 2005 Subaru Impreza
  By AGOW - April 30 - 7:10 pm

  I drive this thing very hard and it has held up well (except for the time I crashed into a curb while shredding up the snow). This car rocks when it comes to driving in the snow. It is a fun car. This car handles incredibly well and accelerates quickly with the turbo. The turbo lags a little..

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  Each generation of Outbacks Improves. - 2002 Subaru Outback
  By trzeszkowski - April 29 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd Outback since 1997. The second one developed transm problems and traded it in for the six cylinder. I love the six even more. Minor inprovements show that some one is always testing and thinking.

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  The Truck offers what I need - 2006 Subaru Baja
  By Girl Trucker - April 28 - 2:56 am

  We use the vehicle for running to and from places and hauling things that do not fit in our SUV. I also use it to go to work and home.

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  2012 Subaru Impreza - Premium - 4 door - 2012 Subaru Impreza
  By hollenway - April 27 - 4:15 pm

  First of all - let me say that when we went looking for a new car we looked at everything in this cars price range. The Subaru ( imho) provides the best value for the dollar and does everything we want it to do. Great power, good fuel economy ( 34 mpg on first tank ) and seems built like a little tank. Easy to get in and out of - huge trunk - great visibility - and all weather dependability. Our car has the CVT and we find it very smooth - the car has done nothing wrong since we bought it - zero defects and looks good sitting in the garage. Were very satisfied !!!!!!!